Watch out — This illegal milk gave NJ woman a rare infection

TRENTON — The state Department of Health has ordered a New Jersey home delivery company to stop selling unpasteurized milk after a woman was diagnosed with a rare bacterial infection.

Udder Milk is under investigation to determine which farms the company acquired its raw milk from after a woman was diagnosed with Brucella RB51 infection. It causes a number of symptoms, including fever, sweats, chills, weight loss, headache, fatigue and muscle and joint pain. In rare cases, Brucellosis can infect the central nervous system or the lining of the heart.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

The woman diagnosed with Brucella RB51 has since recovered.It is second confirmed case associated with the consumption of raw milk in the United States this year.

Her identity or location in New Jersey were not disclosed.

"Those who have become ill after consuming raw milk products should immediately consult a medical professional," State Epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan said in a statement.

The selling and distribution of raw milk or products such as yogurt, soft cheese and ice cream is illegal in New Jersey because it many contain dangerous bacteria, according to Tan. "Pasteurized milk and dairy products bought commercially are considered safe for consumption, because they are heated to a high temperature that kills harmful bacteria.”

Udder Milk, which has been in business since 2005, was still taking orders for delivery and pickup on its website early Tuesday morning. It sells milk from cows, goats, sheep and camels. The company also sells pet food and health and beauty products.

The website does not offer a location for the company. The contact page indicates its contact person is out of the country; a text message has not yet been returned.

The company on its website said that products it sells are "pesticide-free, insecticide-free, funguscide-free, herbacide-free, antibiotic-free, irradiation-free, GMO free and grass-fed."